Everyone talks about the WNBA’s rookies being mistreated, but nobody talks about the veterans who welcome and mentor the rookies.
While it’s true that some players are tough on the rookies, it’s important not to let the negative narrative overshadow the positive dynamic between veterans and rookies in the WNBA. Some believe rookies must prove themselves before earning respect. Still, some veterans generously share their wisdom, providing comfort and guidance as rookies navigate the league.
Cameron Brink was eight when Tina Charles was drafted into the WNBA as the Connecticut Sun’s first overall pick.
Brink grew up watching Charles hoop in the league. Fast-forward fourteen years, Brink was selected as the second pick of the 2024 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, and now the two players are competing against each other, from idolizing Charles as a kid to her sharing advice on the hardwood.
Says Brink, “We spoke three times throughout the game. One time, she told me that I could take the middle spot on the jump ball, which I didn’t know; we laughed about that, then she told me that I should keep posting up, and then she also told me that I should go to my quick spin, so it means a lot growing up watching her play and now were competing against each other. I just really admire her.”
A true veteran, Charles was honored with the 2010 Rookie of the Year title. In her rookie year, she led the WNBA in rebounding.
In 2012, Charles was named the 2012 WNBA MVP and led the league in double-doubles, setting the mark for the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 900, 1,000, and 1,100 rebounds. Charles is an eight-time WNBA All-Star.
Let’s not forget that Charles’ list of accolades is extensive; more importantly, she’s leveraging her platform to mentor the next generation of basketball players, a role enhanced by her impressive track record.
When a player of Charles’ caliber takes the time to share her wisdom with rookies, it’s not just a passing moment. It’s a significant event that underscores her influence on the game and the respect she commands from her peers. Her mentoring is a crucial part of the game’s evolution, shaping the future of the sport.
There’s a pivotal juncture in the game when veterans like Charles have the chance to pass on their knowledge to rookies. This is a moment when they can contribute to the game’s future, sharing the lessons they’ve learned and shaping the sport. And for Charles, that moment is now a testament to her enduring impact on the game.
“I just try to pay it forward. When I came into this league, Sylvia Fowles always talked to me during the game, telling me what I should be doing. That’s just who I am. I’m very personable. I’ll talk to you one-on-one and tell you things you should do to get better.”
When Charles first entered the W, she was surrounded by players who imparted their knowledge. Like Fowles, Charles also credits Nakia Sanford, Chastity Melvin, and Asjha Jones for helping her as a young player.
“That’s just my job now; it’s my role now, being 35 and one of the eldest in the league,” said Charles.”
As a rookie, having the support of a veteran is crucial to a player’s first year playing in a professional league. Brink recently was a guest on Podcast P with Paul George, in which she discussed her interactions with Charles on the basketball court and how much respect she has for Charles and other vets.
“I just hope that the vets know that it’s so much respect from my end, and I hope that they know it’s because of them that we’re here now,” said Brink.
Young WNBA players find motivation through their veteran teammates and colleagues. While some players who have been in the league don’t feel like it’s their job to mentor the newcomers, and while it’s true that they don’t get paid to do that, some players believe that it’s their way of paying it forward. Rookie players don’t have a playbook to refer to when they enter the league, so having an experienced player look out for the younger players is essential.
Angel Reese, the 2024 first-round, seventh-overall pick, recently praised Charles for giving her advice after a game.
“I’ve been watching Tina for a while now. I’ve always respected her game and consider her a legend as a vet. She told me You’re doing a great job out there. She said she respects me and told me to take my time when I finish around the basket.” Reese also thanked Charles for leading the way for her.
Charles received flowers from two of the league’s top rookies, quieting the noise around the portrayal that veterans aren’t interested in helping the WNBA rookie class. Her mentorship offers a narrative that is flying under the radar: veterans want to see rookies succeed in the W.